Today, I learned that Alex Tweedy was killed in a car accident after leaving school at Northern Nash High School.  While I did not know Alex, I know many of Alex’s friends.  I also know that we can all understand what it feels like to lose someone that we love.  In fact, I think it was the theme of this weekend between: one friend losing her grandmother in the midst of her sister’s wedding, one friend reaching the year mark of the passing of his wife last year, and an acquaintance learning that she would carry her baby full-term but that it’s not expected to live for more than a couple of minutes, if that.  None of us is immune to the heartache that comes from a loved one dying.  In the midst of all of that…

I am reminded that, no matter how long you think you have with someone, you don’t.

I am reminded that God is the ONLY one who can bring peace to a whirlwind of emotions.

I am reminded that, no matter how hard you try, you can never prepare yourself for the loss of a loved one.

I am reminded that God is still in the business of picking up the pieces to broken hearts.

I am reminded that, no matter how many memories you recount, it’s not the same as making them.

I am reminded that, even in the death of one of your closest friends, God can still bring glory to His name.

I am reminded that it’s still OK to cry. “Life” doesn’t give us that permission.  Tears have great value. Not one tear that is poured out before God ever goes unnoticed… God not only gives His children permission to cry; He rather encourages it. 

I am reminded that, in a room full of people that you’ve known your entire life, you can still feel like you’re very much alone. 

I am reminded that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so remembering to tell each other today that we love each other is a must.

I am reminded that, no matter how much you’d like to avoid it, “goodbye” comes whether you’re ready or not.

I am reminded that there are those weird moments where you want to hang on to someone, but know that letting go is best.

I am reminded that God is who says He is and can do what He says He can do.  He’s completely capable of holding us and calming our fears while we learn how to let our loved ones go.  He’s completely capable of using the death of one of His children to bring glory to His name.  He is God. 

In John chapter 16, Jesus tells us that heartache is coming.  He doesn’t tell us that we might experience it, He says in verse 33 that, “in this world, we WILL have trouble.” (emphasis mine)  I am so thankful that it does not stop there.  He immediately follows that statement with, “But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” 

Now, I could be wrong, but I don’t think that Jesus said it all lighthearted and nonchalantly—like us Southerners say “bless your heart”.  No, I’m pretty sure this “Take heart!” was more emphatic; a reminder that He has overcome anything we’re going to go through.  I’m praying that we can all do that.  Instead of letting our temporary circumstances essentially overtake us.  Don’t get me wrong… life is messy, I know!  It’s just that I don’t want to live a life that conveys the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than Jesus’ command to take heart…